ONE guy I’m sure who will be out to cause an upset on Friday will be Leeds out-going skipper Kallum Watkins. The Rhinos and England centre, one of Betfred Super League’s shining stars over the past decade plays his penultimate game for Leeds before he leaves to join NRL club Gold Coast Titans on a two-and-half year deal.

No denying Kallum is an outstanding talent, but like many of the Leeds team this season has struggled to find his form. Following major knee surgery which has obviously had an impact on his confidence and performance, many are wondering if Leeds have made the correct decision allowing him to leave while still having years on his current contract, no doubt freeing up sufficient room on the salary cap to invest.

From an England point of view I wish him good luck and would love to see him back to his very best...after Friday of course!

Super League title sponsors Betfred have him 18/1 to come out of the blocks and score the first try on Friday. I’m sure Tommy and Regan have other ideas!

The Rhinos as a whole will be desperate for a win, as they are currently sitting joint bottom of the league alongside Hull KR and the London Broncos, both who picked up enormous wins last week over Warrington and Catalan respectively.

The Broncos are riding high at the moment, backing up from that shock win against our league leaders, with an outstanding performance in the South of France taking the points with a 30-12 win. You have to give it Danny Ward and his team, they have certainly not laid down for anyone and are fighting with all they have to remain in the top flight.

Meanwhile back to the top of the table, Saints took back their six point lead at the summit with a clinical 38-2 demolition of Huddersfield. With a familiar looking team, featuring all those rested against London, the boys turned in an outstanding seven-try show. Despite the loss, the break obviously worked as six of the seven tries scored by those rested including a hat-trick for Tommy Makinson! Some excellent performances also from Alex Walmsley, Jonny Lomax and the irrepressible Lachlan Coote.

On that, I can’t see anything other than a home win against the struggling Rhinos. I’ll go for a 16 point margin (5/6 at Betfred)

Finally, can I wish a warm welcome to our new Assistant Coach Richard Marshall.Obviously, following an opening created by Sean Long’s exit, Justin Holbrook had no hesitation in signing up the former Warrington and Halifax coach.

Someone I know well, Marshy is a top bloke who will fit right in at the Saints. He fully recognises that St Helens RFC has a tradition in developing its young stars...and he has plenty of experience to pass on which is something he’s relishing!